New Ductwork for the Office – How to Know When It’s Time
Your ductwork is largely hidden, so you may not think about it often. Even so, it performs a very essential function-carrying heated and cooled air throughout your building. It’s working almost constantly, and will eventually reach its maximum effectiveness. How will you know when your office needs new ductwork? Here are some things to look for.
Higher Energy Bills
Aging ductwork may stretch, develop holes, or lose its seal. All of these things will result in air loss and make your office harder to heat and cool.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaking ducts are a leading cause of energy loss. As such, you may first notice failing ductwork in the way of increased heating and cooling expenses. Replacing your ductwork can lower your expenses, so you will likely recoup all or most of your investment over time.
More Frequent Repairs
Your HVAC system must work harder to account for the amount of air lost through your ducts. This in turn can lead to more frequent repairs. So if you’ve experienced significant downtime lately, the problem might actually be your ductwork and not your heating and cooling system.
Commercial ductwork can last an average of 15-20 years before needing significant repairs. Even so, you might notice a decline in performance much sooner if your office is located in a residential building. That’s because residential ductwork is often made from a flexible material that bends and cracks more easily. You may notice this same ductwork if you operate out of a portable or modular structure, as well.
Here at South Jersey Heating and Cooling, we recommend replacing or upgrading your commercial ductwork whenever you have a new HVAC system installed. If you didn’t have yours replaced or are unsure how old your ducts are, schedule an inspection with us at once.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Leaking ductwork lets out more than just hot and cold air. Dust and debris can also escape through holes or loose seals. This means more dust on computers and office equipment, and possible damage to those items, as well. And that doesn’t begin to account for the additional toll on your carpet and fixtures either.
Airborne particles are rough on electronics, but they can be even tougher on your employees. Accordingly, if your office has poor indoor air quality you could notice a drop in production or increased absenteeism. What you may attribute to seasonal allergies this time of year might actually be faulty ductwork.
Noisy Operation
Your heating and cooling system will often provide clues that something is amiss. One way it does that is through unusual noises that come from your ductwork or vents. These are very distinct sounds that you’ll hear in your floors or attic rather than the HVAC system itself.
When ductwork isn’t sealed properly, you might notice wheezing, clanging, or banging noises each time your unit runs. In addition, older ductwork will sometimes make popping or cracking sounds even when the system isn’t operating. These noises can disrupt your day-to-day operations, and are extremely annoying for your clients.
Loud ductwork is not normal, and is a telltale sign that it is no longer functioning properly. Strange sounds will only get worse and not better, so let us have a look at your ducts if you notice anything unusual at all.
Is it Time for New Commercial Ductwork? Contact South Jersey Heating and Cooling
Do you recognize the signs of aging ductwork in your commercial office building? Or are you unsure just how old your ducts are and would like an inspection? Don’t overlook the importance of good ductwork-instead contact South Jersey Heating and Cooling to schedule your consultation.
